The non-functional ACE2 isoform, but not the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, is induced as an interferon-stimulated gene, in SARS-CoV-2 infected adults

Cytokine. 2022 Oct:158:155997. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155997. Epub 2022 Aug 11.

Abstract

The recently discovered truncated, non-functional, ACE2 transcript (dACE2), but not the full-length ACE2 (f-lACE2), is induced by IFNs in differentiated airway cells. We measured expression of both ACE2 isoforms in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects, in relation to Interferon-stimulated genes. A significant activation of dACE2 transcript was found, in SARS-CoV-2 positive adults either hospitalized or not, showing a positive correlation with ISG15; f-lACE2 expression was weakly activated and not ISG-related. We confirmed a specific activation of dACE2 transcript in nasopharyngeal cells, related to the mucosal IFN response.

Keywords: ACE2; COVID-19; Interferon, ISG15; SARS-CoV-2; deleted ACE2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2* / genetics
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2* / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Interferons / metabolism
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Interferons
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2